Overview
An ulcer is an open wound that can
appear anywhere in the body, but generally refers to the type of open sore than
can occur in the digestive tract. A gastric ulcer can cause pain, indigestion
and other discomforts during mealtimes and after you eat. Most doctors will
tell you to avoid spicy foods because they can irritate your stomach's lining
even more. However, cayenne pepper, a spicy flavoring for foods, may actually
have a positive effect on ulcers.
Kills
Bacteria
According to a July 2006 article in
"Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition," gastric ulcers can
be caused in part by a bacterium called Helicobacter pylori. Capsaicin, the
active ingredient in cayenne pepper, can effectively kill harmful bacteria that
has infected the stomach lining, including H. pylori. The elimination of
non-friendly organisms from the digestive tract can reduce your likelihood of
developing an ulcer.
Regulates
Secretions
Cayenne pepper can both prevent and
ease the pain of ulcers by regulating your stomach secretions. Capsaicin, the
compound that gives cayenne pepper its heat, can act as a natural pain
reliever. The compound can also stop your stomach from producing acid which can
irritate an ulcer. Cayenne pepper also tells your stomach to produce more
protective juices that may prevent an ulcer from forming in the first place.
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